[2026] Western breakup songs: tear-jerking tracks to listen to when love ends
The more precious the relationship, the more painful the sorrow when it comes to an end.
Of course, some people choose to part ways on a positive note, and everyone’s feelings after a breakup are different.
In this article, we introduce classic Western songs that can help you face forward and take a new step after heartbreak, as well as sad songs that will sink right down with you.
From the latest hits and popular tracks to timeless breakup anthems, we offer a wide-ranging selection that crosses eras and genres.
If you’ve found this article right in the midst of heartbreak, you’re sure to discover the songs you need.
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[2026] Western breakup songs: 10 tearjerkers to listen to after love ends (111–120)
The ReasonHoobastank
This song captures the bittersweet emotions of a man who deeply regrets having hurt her and decides to leave her in order to change himself.
With a relaxed tempo and a gentle, emotional tone, it’s the kind of song that might make you cry when you listen to it after a breakup.
[2026] Western breakup songs: tear-jerking tracks to listen to when love ends (121–130)
StarMitski
A poignantly beautiful breakup song that resonates deeply with listeners.
The lyrics liken a vanished romance to a star, whose light continues to shine even now—an especially striking image.
Mitski’s delicate vocals exquisitely convey the bittersweet emotion of looking back on a past love.
Featured on the album “The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We,” released in September 2023, the track builds a vast sonic world through its collaboration with an orchestra.
It’s recommended for anyone who carries the pain of heartbreak yet wants to cherish the lessons learned from the experience.
Down BadTaylor Swift
This song, included on Taylor Swift’s album “The Tortured Poets Department,” released in April 2024, candidly portrays the pain of heartbreak.
The phrase “down bad” is repeated, strikingly expressing an obsession with a finished relationship and a profound sense of despair.
The lyrics and melody, infused with emotions born from her own experiences, create a beautiful yet melancholic atmosphere.
It features distinctive synth-pop and indie-inspired sounds, with polished production from her collaboration with Jack Antonoff and others.
If you want to face the pain of a breakup, it might be good to listen to this song and have a good cry.
Only When I SleepThe Corrs
It’s a very heartrending song about how I can only meet you in my dreams.
I think there are many people who, no matter how much they love someone, can’t be by their side.
I’m sure those people will absolutely relate when they listen to this song.
It’s such a bittersweet song that it brought me to tears.
A COLD PLAYThe Kid LAROI
A work by The Kid Laroi that strikes the heart with searing honesty.
Known for his 2021 smash hit “STAY,” he surprise-released this piece in September 2025—a pop ballad that lays bare the pain of heartbreak.
Over a cold, restrained beat, the song powerfully conveys regret over not being able to save a loved one and the ache that follows.
Since The First Time, he has been exploring new modes of expression, and his deeply personal emotions are etched into this track, turning its candor into a universal appeal.
It’s a song that gently stays by your side on sentimental nights—highly recommended for anyone who loves emotional music.
GirlfriendAvril Lavigne
The title is “Girlfriend,” but it’s a song I want both men and women to listen to.
It helps you forget all the annoying stuff.
It’s up-tempo, so maybe clear your mind and sing along together! It’s great for karaoke, too!
Sometimes I cryEric Benét
Eric Benét is a veteran and popular singer who began his career in the 1990s and captivates listeners with his beautiful vocals over timeless, classic neo-soul.
The song featured here, “Sometimes I Cry,” is an adult soul ballad released in 2010.
Benét’s stunning, powerful falsetto is so extraordinary that first-time listeners may even find it shocking.
In Japan, it also drew attention when w-inds.
released a Japanese cover titled “Yume de Aeru noni ~Sometimes I Cry~.” Many listeners can likely relate to the protagonist’s helpless feelings—two years have passed since the breakup and life should be back on track, yet the emotions for the former lover still linger.
